Faculty Presentations Faculty Presentations: Yan Su

Implementing a Mediterranean Diet App in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Full list of poster authors

• Yan Su, PhD, RN
• Marilyn A. Prasun, PhD, RN
• Linda Cash, RN
• Abraham G. Kocheril, MD
• Susana J. Calderon, PhD. RN
• Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, RN

Conference where poster was previously displayed 

N/A (it will be presented at AHA)

Poster abstract

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with inflammation, symptom burden, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While the Mediterranean diet may reduce inflammation, its effects in AF are understudied.

Objective

To assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a Mediterranean diet self-monitoring app (Olitor) on inflammation, symptoms, and QoL in patients with symptomatic AF.

Methods

A 3-month single-arm pre-post pilot study enrolled 12 eligible participants (10 completed) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. The Olitor app prompted weekly diet tracking and provided tailored feedback. Outcomes included feasibility (retention), inflammatory markers, AF symptoms, QoL, physical activity, diet knowledge, self-efficacy, and BMI.

Results

Retention was 83%. IL-6 and CRP decreased; QoL and BMI improved. The family QoL subdomain (g=0.89) and walking activity (g=0.52) showed strong effects. Self-efficacy and diet knowledge increased.

Conclusion

A Mediterranean diet app intervention is feasible and may improve health outcomes in AF patients. A larger trial is needed.

Key words

Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Mediterranean diet, Inflammation, Mobile health, Pilot study